The Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, has described the upcoming National Technical and Vocational Education Policy, set to launch in June, as a crucial initiative aimed at providing skilled workforce for the country’s emerging technology market.
The policy, which outlines a comprehensive roadmap until 2050, aims to coordinate 1,345 TVET institutions and strengthen courses based on high-end technology to meet market demands.
“We must move beyond traditional skill sets such as sewing or hairstyling. The job market now requires skills in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), solar energy, electric vehicles, communication, and hydrogen,” Ahmad Zahid said.
He emphasiSed the need to start preparing the workforce now to avoid mismatches between higher education or professional studies and market demands.
Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the National TVET Council, hopes that the policy will change the perception of TVET among some members of the society, particularly parents who see it as a secondary option. He highlighted the significant potential in TVET fields, with a current 92.7% employment rate for graduates.
TVET graduates also have opportunities to further their education at higher levels, including at Malaysia’s Technical University Network (MTUN) institutions like Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UNIMAP), Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) and Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA).
“We need to correct the misconception that TVET is a secondary choice. Through the National TVET Policy, we hope to raise awareness and change this perception,” he said.
He reiterated that TVET graduates should receive premium salaries based on the level of training provided, compared to the current minimum wage of RM1,500. This higher pay is expected to encourage parents to support their children’s interest in TVET.
Ahmad Zahid also expressed the desire to see more participation from the Orang Asli community in TVET, prioritising fields that align with their interests and suitability to improve their socio-economic status through education.
“The introduction of the TVET institution application system last October ensures that no one is left out. We provide opportunities in TVET even without academic certificates, as the focus is on developing skilled technical workforce,” he added.
